Very beautiful home on a block where other homes are also being or have already been renovated. The home is immaculately clean and time was spent to make sure everything was staged to perfection. I have a strong feeling it is kept in this condition at all times. This is one example of renovating to make it thoroughly modern while retaining the original vintage feel.
Kudos to the owners for unbdertaking such a high quality renovation while using high quality materials. The craftsmanship is evident with an eye to the smallest of details…nothing seems to have been overlooked and it should pay off on sales day.
While I realize not all buyers currently in the market have this type of money or financing to purchase such a property, for the ones who do have access to funding this would be an outstanding option. The pricing seems to be on target as some money was obviously spent on the renovation.
The only thing I noticed in the pictures was the discoloration on the garage overhang…a bit of mold perhaps? A quick wipe down with bleach would have cured this small issue as there doesn’t seem to be any damage from rain run off. Small detail that should have been noticed by the owners or the photographer and rectified before the final pictures were taken.
Overall, a fantastic home and although it is not one of my renovations, it is very similar to the end product we produce.

This is a very nice house – but who would want to pay this type of money to live in this type of neighborhood? I just don’t get it. I know that there are people who love the city and want to raise their kids there, but I would guess that someone who could afford an 850k house and has kids would likely move to the suburbs, buy a 650k nice house and a 200k “in-town”. I think the market for this price in this area is very small…

I agree, it is such a small issue that I would not bother to mention it during the offer. Small expense and for a person like myself, a few hours work to correct.
I was studying all pics trying to find something…anything that appeared to have a defect and this is all I could find. Something that does not happen often.
Again, fantastic job on the renovation and best of luck to the sellers. If there are serious buyers looking for a meticulous turnkey home, this should be granted serious consideration.

There are many households who have no interest whatsoever in moving to the suburbs to raise their children…I think this fact was discussed and confirmed in a previous thread. And no, not all suburbanites are keen on the idea of maintaining two homes when Chicago has such reliable and inexpensive mass transit.
Further, for those who do go that route and can comfortably afford to do so, a $600k and a $200k home in each location would not be the price point they would be considering. I would like to think the price points would be closer to $1.5 mil to 2.5 for their suburban home and $500k+ for their pied-a-terre. Such an unneeded luxury and only a few Chicago households would have either the desire or the need for such a thing.
Regarding the neighborhood and surrounding homes, it is one of the best streets in the area and really has no, or very few negatives.
I am very surprised at your comment clio…I thought you would think for the quality and the price you would be highly recommending it to those looking and qualified? You have, in the past, thought dumpy places within ear shot of the El were fantastic places that ‘poor souls would be happy and lucky to own’.
Consistency my friend, consistency!

“I know that there are people who love the city and want to raise their kids there, but I would guess that someone who could afford an 850k house and has kids would likely move to the suburbs, buy a 650k nice house and a 200k “in-town”.”

Are families with school age kids and that have an $850K budget really putting $200K of it toward an in-town? I think this is overpriced but not because there aren’t people who would buy a $850K home in bucktown.

*i dont want sloped ceilings in my master bath and master bedroom(well at least its big and open)
*i dont want my third bedroom to be only 7 feet wide (and probably with sloped ceiling)
*and i dont want to live that close to western ave

Ehrler park is actually a pretty nice little park in Bucktown. Because of the one way streets around there, not much traffic. And too tucked away to attract the ruffians. You’ll find half the neighborhood there at 8 every Saturday morning, sipping Starbucks and wondering why they had kids.

this part of bucktown is ok. close to map room and i believe they have free food sat afternoon. bring yer kids! it’s not as lincoln parky as east of damen. that said, the house is nice and all but priced kind of high, I think.

“Jon, or anyone else, what do you think of this immediate area within bucktown?”

Really nice, quiet, full of families who hang out on the sidewalk a lot (because the lots are so small, I would guess). Over the past few years, it’s gotten almost as nice btwown east of damen, but is quieter– more SF’s, less multi-units.

DZ, agree there are still a few homes around here that haven’t been torn down or updated (see 2030 w shakespeare– under $400k Btown SF!). The optimist would say that means there’s still opportunity to see appreciation.

We came close to buying in this area, and with the improving schools there, I might actually regret it. But I do like me some land, and the lots over here can really try your patience if you like space.

“What is Erhler Park like?”

Safe/children. It feels very “private” to this little corner of btown, which is nice, and the homes around it are very high-end– no riff raff is going to fly for too long.

If I were to rank “parts of Bucktown” I’d say east of Damen south of Cortland is best. West of Damen but east of Oakley and north of Wabansia is next. North of Armitage, east of Oakley has some nice spots, too.

But yeah, 830k seems a tad silly in the current climate, even though my wife loves this house.

“Jon, or anyone else, what do you think of this immediate area within bucktown? Relative to east of damen or north or armitage? Also, are there some more run down houses on Homer?”

I live spitting distance from this house (less than a block). I do like Homer, but I don’t like these shepherd’s cottages at all. Many of them look run-down from the outside, but they do back up to a park which is nice in some respects. Homer is a mishmash of new contemporary houses, these (ug) cottages and some smaller houses. A friend of mine lives across the street from this place in a rental so there’s some of that too. Anything between say Webster and Churchill that is within a couple blocks east or west of Damen is appealing in my opinion.

On Erhler Park: Very nice – it’s been redone lately and there are no signs of “trouble” that I ever see. Lots of kids and families, nannies, etc.

On proximity to Western: Not really. Especially on Homer because it dead-ends into Oakley you don’t really get that gritty Western feel.

That’s my two cents, but what do I know? Clio surely knows more about “this type of neighborhood” and why people wouldn’t want to live here than I could ever learn from living there for nine years! Educate me Clio!!!

I’ve always liked this area and neighborhood that’s why I was wondering about the situation at the park. The current house backs up to the park; the biggest issue i’d have, if the park were bad, would be kids breaking into my garage on a regular basis, but my fears are allayed.

Also, as I’ve mentioned before, they are attempting to jump start the neighborhood school (Pulaski) by starting a new IB program there. Just started this fall I think. I’m just guessing but think the odds are good it becomes a viable neighborhood school. Anyone know anything about Pritzker?

“You have, in the past, thought dumpy places within ear shot of the El were fantastic places that ‘poor souls would be happy and lucky to own’.
Consistency my friend, consistency!”

Westloop, I am being consistent – those “dumpy places” I was positive about were appropriately priced and that is the reason I was positive about them. This place is very expensive and, at this price point there are a lot of options out there. Also, my 650/200 comment regarding the suburban house/in-town was meant as a suggestion at a better way to spend 850 (the price of this house).

Westloop, I am being consistent – those “dumpy places” I was positive about were appropriately priced and that is the reason I was positive about them. This place is very expensive and, at this price point there are a lot of options out there. Also, my 650/200 comment regarding the suburban house/in-town was meant as a suggestion at a better way to spend 850 (the price of this house).”

What do you mean by smokiness? I went through this house and really liked it. Unfortunately, it has fallen into complete disrepair. They did a none-too-gentle job ripping everything out of this place. It’s a pretty neat place, but there appears to be a mold issue in the basement. I still have my eye on it, but it would be either the best deal (at some point) or the biggest disaster ever (IMO).

Oh, bbq…veg here, so didn’t register.
It is pretty close to Western, but at the right price I could deal with that (it’s not ON Western and the condo building on Western creates somewhat of a barrier). It’s a very unique layout – I’m surprised that it is listed as a 3/3.5 because I think (if I recall correctly) it is more like 5/4.5. This is the place that the realtor told me the combination to the lockbox and to just go ahead and take a look! Ha.

Note to “JG” – I posted my last comment on the computer in the reception area (which you obviously had logged on to). Obviously you work with me. I know that your previous posts were not so kind to me – if you have something to say to me or have a problem with me, just be a man, confront me and say it to my face. You KNOW that I would do the same…

“Note to “JG” – I posted my last comment on the computer in the reception area (which you obviously had logged on to). Obviously you work with me. I know that your previous posts were not so kind to me – if you have something to say to me or have a problem with me, just be a man, confront me and say it to my face. You KNOW that I would do the same…”

clio, I wouldn’t be so tough on jg, he/she seems to have your best interests at heart:

yeah, but I also remember jg suggesting that a fitting punishment for some horrible person would be to spend “5 minutes alone with clio” – not very nice at all. …whatever.. I hate these kindergarten antics

“yeah, but I also remember jg suggesting that a fitting punishment for some horrible person would be to spend “5 minutes alone with clio” – not very nice at all. …whatever.. I hate these kindergarten antics”

Using persona to support yourself. Whatever, I don’t really care. Using persona to have conversations with yourself. I still don’t care, but a little sadder. Sigh.

“A bunch of similar house on the block went up at that time for around the same price.”

So new construction for about $400K plus the lot, presumably inclusive of a profit for the developer? Can you still build that house for something in that ballpark? What’s a lot around there now? $350K at most?

“So new construction for about $400K plus the lot, presumably inclusive of a profit for the developer? Can you still build that house for something in that ballpark? What’s a lot around there now? $350K at most?”

The teardowns/foreclosures seem to be going at around $350/400 (but I haven’t reached that too much, just a couple that I’ve noticed).

The developer was Mark Properties and they did a ton in that area in the early 200’s. 2021 Oakley is also them and for sale in the same range.

“So new construction for about $400K plus the lot, presumably inclusive of a profit for the developer? Can you still build that house for something in that ballpark? ”

*very* basic build. splitface sides and back, nothing much going on inside, tiny kitchen. hollow-core doors. a developer could probably get it done for about the same, you might be able to contract with a builder for under 10% more.

“*very* basic build. splitface sides and back, nothing much going on inside, tiny kitchen. hollow-core doors. a developer could probably get it done for about the same, you might be able to contract with a builder for under 10% more.”

You’re saying that’s what 2131 dickens is or that’s what you could get for $400K (or both)? I would think bucktown shoppers would think a new construction version of that would be a steal at $700-750K, but I haven’t been inside that house.

I’m a parent in the market for a house in Wicker Park/Bucktown for around $800-$1M and would never dream of moving to the suburbs. I just can’t fathom the mindset of people who think that all parents want to spend their lives carting their children from mcmansion to school to mcmansion so they can have the benefit of bland suburban life (and I even had a happy childhood in an old leafy suburb). I don’t even know anyone who talks about moving to the suburbs, except possibly Oak Park or Evanston.

(This house, by the way, is too small, too far north, and too far west for me, though my family regularly goes to Ehrler park.)

calyx,
I agree that there are a lot of positives about living in the city -your children will certainly be more well-exposed. However, it is extremely inconvenient for most people which is why MOST who have the choice will choose to move to the suburbs.

“This house, by the way, is too small, too far north, and too far west for me”

Where are you looking? Do you care about the neighborhood elem? I’m more or less in same boat, but looking all over the place. My thinking is if I’m going to be in bucktown/wicker, I’d at least like to be in pulaski district. Almost all short lots, however, except for east of damen.

Hi Calyx!
Like you we are committed to urban living and spent quite a while hunting for a house in your same price range. We are thrilled with a purchase very near this home, walking distance to Pulaski and so many great amenities. Block after block after block of Bucktown is occupied by families of many types. The ignorance of so many Crib Chatter commenters and prejudice against the NW side is really far removed from the friendly and proud vibe of our neighborhood.

Bob, we’re talking about *this* house and people who can afford *this* house who might not want to move to the suburbs, not people who don’t have as many options. I can certainly fathom the move to the suburbs for people who can’t afford to live in a decent school district or send their kids to private schools.

Clio, I think the suburbs are extremely inconvenient. I currently have an very short commute to downtown, which limits the time I spend away from home. We live in walking/biking/busing distance of most places we go on a daily basis. That to me is convenience. I truly don’t understand how suburbs are more convenient. Cheaper, yes, but that’s not the same as convenient.

DZ, I’m currently in the Burr district, and I know people who could afford privates who are liking it so far. And Drummond is great if you lottery in (risky). I hear good things about Pritzker too. I don’t know anything about LaSalle II, but I have to assume it’s good (but far from a sure thing in terms of admissions). And Near North is my top pick of any school in the city, including the big three (Latin, Parker, Lab), though obviously Groove’s point about revisiting my feelings come high school is a concern w/r/t any of the schools mentioned except the big three.

Anna, I still laugh about Clio’s comment about being “terrified” of Western Ave. My 70-yr-old FIL who lives in the Palmolive Building sometimes eats at Bite, but I guess he’s made of heartier stock than some chatterers!

clio, at one time I respected you. Now, I’m embarrassed for you. I have to laugh at the eye-opening clio/jg revelation exposed earlier in this thread. I’ve often suspected that some posters on CribChatter shared many personas to provide support, push an agenda, create discussion, and to gang-bang/flame others who do not share the same viewpoint. I’ve even suspected that a major playa is “in” on the game, as controversial discussion = more page hits = more advertising web revenue.

How ironic, as I’ve been accused of doing the same! And no, I’m still not that person! Flame away, off now to start my weekend early………..LOL

“yeah, but I also remember jg suggesting that a fitting punishment for some horrible person would be to spend “5 minutes alone with clio” – not very nice at all. …whatever.. I hate these kindergarten antics”

I’d be more upset with the fact that I hired someone who didn’t know the meaning of the word “penultimate”, but that’s just me.

Of course, since the “person” is actually a sock puppet, it’s irrelevant.

uhhh, people can think whatever they want, but 2 things that should be kept in mind:
1. the site isn’t about me
2. i am not that idiotic or desperate to create multiple fake names to “bolster” or support my opinions. My opinions are based in fact and experience. I don’t need any imaginary supporters or detractors. Believe me, I WILL find out who is making fun of me and taunting me at work with this charade.

“Anna, I still laugh about Clio’s comment about being “terrified” of Western Ave. My 70-yr-old FIL who lives in the Palmolive Building sometimes eats at Bite, but I guess he’s made of heartier stock than some chatterers!”

What’s a “FIL” and what is a “Bite”? That is great that this person is not terrified of Western avenue, but I have yet to meet a neighbor that wouldn’t feel the same as I do!!!

“That is great that this person is not terrified of Western avenue, but I have yet to meet a neighbor that wouldn’t feel the same as I do!!!”

Your neighbors live in Oak Brook, of course they are terrified of Western Avenue! That’s part of the suburban Kool Aid! Everyone in Oak Brook knows that every time you step foot onto Western Avenue a puppy dies, or worse!!!

“though obviously Groove’s point about revisiting my feelings come high school is a concern w/r/t any of the schools mentioned except the big three.”

Calyx,

one positive is that High School is YEARS away, and with people stuck in their homes cuz the economy “white flight” isnt happening. so maybe these stuck parents will cause a movement to make things better by the time our kids are HS age.

“I agree that there are a lot of positives about living in the city -your children will certainly be more well-exposed.”

yeah yall can take your diversity and “well-exposed” blah blah and shove it. its a bunch of tree hugging Bull doo-doo. and would love to actually know what yall yuppies think “diverity” and “urban” living really is. i bet our views of it will be way different.

>> What’s a “FIL” and what is a “Bite”? That is great that this person is not terrified of Western avenue, but I have yet to meet a neighbor that wouldn’t feel the same as I do!!!

Clio, typically when people use the phrase “eats at ___,” the word or words following “at” name a restaurant, particularly when the word or words is/are capitalized. For instance, “eats at Bite” would typically indicate that Bite is a restaurant.

FIL = father in law (a much more understandable misunderstanding).

I’m going trick or treating in Oak Brook dressed as Western Avenue. Scaaaarrrryyy!

“Developer Jim Gramata just put his personal residence on the market and I shot video there with him yesterday.
It’s 2321 W McLean, priced at $799K.”

Thanks, Joe. Video was helpful especially given the layout and stairs. I kinda like the layout but not sure about it with kids. Ideally I would have liked to have seen the other bedrooms (unless I missed them somehow).

Another nit, but a 2 car garage for an $800K bucktown SFH is just about mandatory, not exactly a dream or luxury. Also, I would have liked a little more detail in the pulaski school video, but that’s probably just me.

(I don’t remember what side of Riis you’re near, and as you know it’s a huge area. I looked at Austin and Fullerton, and was struck by almost no crime NE of there, v. average-ish crime SW of there. Didn’t look W or N of the park, which I believe have gotten sketchier).

Jim mentioned in the video that he didn’t know much about Pulaski, and I’m unfamiliar with the school.

Don’t know the answers to your final questions and, if I did, wouldn’t supply them as a matter of policy. It should be the owner’s decision whether or not to discuss those topics, especially in this particular venue.

Thanks, Joe. At least for me, seeing how all the rooms are laid out in relation to each other is useful. But I did see the floorplan they had up.

And groove, you are a lazy bastid. Part of your cribchatter assignment is to look up stuff. It can’t just all be telling stories of your misbegotten youth. You’re probably right about btown, although it is a great commute for me, and little dz loves margies and red hot ranch.

He’s probably moving because he has 2 young kids, and the schools in bucktown BLOW for the most part. Not to mention the neighborhood is so random, you really want section 8’s, hipsters, and other gangbangers walking around while your kids play outside?